By admin 
While Fifa President Gianni Infantino navigates a storm of controversy, a significant bloc of support remains firmly behind him, particularly within the less affluent football associations of Africa. This continental backing has become a vital lifeline for Infantino, whose leadership has been tested by the proposed, and subsequently withdrawn, plan to sell stakes in Fifa’s global competitions to private investors. The initiative, which faced strong opposition from some regional governing bodies, highlighted a growing divide in world football governance. However, on Thursday, the executive committee of the Confederation of African Football (Caf) unanimously reaffirmed its unwavering support for Infantino, a sentiment echoed by numerous leading African football administrators who have publicly backed the Fifa chief.
The depth of this support is underscored by the fact that five of the seven African nations represented on the Fifa Council – Egypt, Morocco, Niger, Mauritania, and Comoros – have already declared their allegiance to Infantino. This alignment is largely attributable to the success and perceived benefits of Fifa’s Forward programme, a comprehensive funding scheme initiated by Infantino in 2016. For many African federations, this programme has become an indispensable source of funding for crucial football development projects, especially in regions where commercial and governmental investment in the sport is scarce.
Egypt: A Stronghold of Support with Evolving Expectations
Egypt, a nation that proudly hosts the headquarters of the Confederation of African Football, stands as one of Infantino’s most steadfast institutional allies on the continent. This robust relationship is further solidified by the considerable influence of Hany Abo Rida, a prominent figure in African football administration and a key member of the Fifa Council. Abo Rida has cultivated a close working relationship with Infantino since the latter’s election in 2016, fostering a climate of mutual understanding and cooperation.
Under Infantino’s presidency, Egypt has experienced tangible benefits from the Fifa Forward programme. This funding has been instrumental in advancing a wide array of football initiatives, including the development of essential infrastructure, the nurturing of young talent through dedicated youth development programs, the enhancement of coaching education, and the significant growth of women’s football across the nation. Beyond the Forward programme, Egyptian football associations have also witnessed a substantial increase in development funding as part of Fifa’s broader investment strategy. Furthermore, the introduction and expansion of various football competitions have unlocked new avenues for commercial opportunities and enhanced sporting competitiveness, creating a more dynamic and prosperous football ecosystem.
However, this strong backing for Infantino in Egypt is increasingly coupled with a growing set of expectations. A palpable shift is occurring within the Egyptian football landscape, with officials and observers alike advocating for Fifa’s engagement with Africa to transcend mere financial assistance. There is a mounting emphasis on the critical need for robust governance structures, unwavering transparency in financial dealings, the cultivation of sustainable football development models, and a greater degree of autonomy for Caf to define and pursue the continent’s unique developmental priorities. This evolving sentiment suggests a desire for a more collaborative and self-determined approach to football’s future in Africa, moving beyond a purely donor-recipient dynamic. Reporting by Mohamed Alkaaoud in Cairo provides these insights.
Democratic Republic of Congo: Praising Prudence and Long-Term Vision
The Congolese Football Federation (Fecofa) has publicly commended Infantino’s decision to withdraw the controversial Forward Enterprise proposal, characterizing it as a "wise" move in a statement released earlier this month. The federation emphasized that this particular episode, though born of seemingly good intentions, should not overshadow the broader positive impact of Infantino’s extensive work in promoting football globally, with a particular focus on supporting African nations and those with limited resources. Fecofa stressed that its own organization has "greatly benefited" from Fifa’s various programmes, citing significant investments in both grassroots development and essential infrastructure.
This endorsement was formally conveyed by Vèron Mosengo-Omba, who was elected president of Fecofa in May 2026. His election marked the resolution of a period of considerable uncertainty that followed the resignation of Constant Omari Selemani in 2021, leading to the establishment of a Fifa-appointed Normalisation Committee in April 2023. Mosengo-Omba has unequivocally assured Infantino of Fecofa’s continued and "full support," extending this commitment beyond 2027, referencing the mandates that were renewed in Paris in 2019 and Kigali in 2023. This clear declaration of alignment from the Democratic Republic of Congo highlights its solidarity with Fifa’s current leadership, particularly at a time when significant divisions persist within the global football community. Reporting by Emery Makumeno details these developments.
Nigeria: A Pragmatic Alliance Driven by Need
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has largely maintained a stance of support for Infantino’s leadership, even in the face of widespread global criticism. For a football federation perpetually grappling with chronic funding shortages and immense infrastructural deficits, Infantino’s proposed financial plans would have been exceedingly difficult to reject. Amaju Pinnick, the former president of the NFF and a past deputy chairman of Fifa’s Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee, articulated the rationale behind this supportive position. He argued that Infantino’s initiative held the potential to deliver a much-needed and substantial financial injection to every member association, thereby reducing an over-reliance on often precarious governmental funding.
Despite Nigeria’s recent failures to qualify for the last two men’s World Cup tournaments, the nation remains eligible for significant funding through the Fifa Forward programme, with the current allocation potentially reaching up to $8 million (£5.95 million). A flagship Forward project currently underway in Nigeria is the comprehensive redevelopment of the NFF Technical Centre located in the capital city, Abuja. This ambitious project, which has attracted approximately $4.88 million in funding, includes the meticulous reconstruction of essential training pitches and the construction of a state-of-the-art accommodation complex designed to serve Nigeria’s national teams. Reporting by Emmanuel Akindubuwa sheds light on Nigeria’s position.
South Africa, Malawi, Uganda, and The Gambia: Voices of Appreciation and Future Commitment
The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture of South Africa, Gayton McKenzie, took to the social media platform X to publicly praise Infantino, stating that he had been "very good to African football." McKenzie urged caution, advising against joining what he perceived as a "public lynching" of the Fifa president. He emphasized that while Infantino’s ideas are open to debate, it is crucial not to forget his past support for African football, suggesting that some of his vocal critics might actually desire a return to the "old status quo."
Following the emergence of Infantino’s proposal, football officials from Malawi and Uganda spoke with the BBC, expressing their views on the transformative impact of Fifa’s investment on the sport, both on and off the pitch. They underscored the vital importance of such funding, given the stark financial realities faced by numerous African nations. Fleetwood Haiya, the president of the Malawi FA, articulated this sentiment clearly in an interview with BBC’s Newsday programme, stating, "Malawi needs money. Malawi needs stadiums, our government cannot manage to give us even $1 million every year for football." He further highlighted the difficult choices governments face, noting, "Our government is not able to make sure that they have medical supplies in hospitals [and] at the same time to look at football."
In a similar vein, Lamin Kaba Bajo, the President of the Gambia Football Federation, shared his perspective with BBC Sport. He indicated that a significant portion of his colleagues share his sentiment: "As far as I’m concerned, most of my colleagues are concerned, we’ll encourage him [Infantino] to stay, and we’ll do everything within our means to ensure that he is re-elected come next year, 2027." Bajo confidently added, "That’s my personal opinion as president of the federation, and a good number of African memberships also stand on that line. He is here to stay."
However, it is important to acknowledge that support for Infantino’s initiatives within Africa has not been universally expressed. Isha Johansen, the former president of the Sierra Leone FA and an ex-Fifa Council member, emerged as a prominent African voice opposing the controversial proposal. She voiced concerns that the plan risked the excessive commercialization of football, posing the critical question: "What price does one have to pay in order to get to this elevated development for football in Africa?" Johansen urged African football leaders to engage in careful and strategic thinking about the long-term future of the sport on the continent.
Earlier in July, Caf president Patrice Motsepe lauded Infantino for his "excellent work" following this year’s World Cup, warmly referring to him as "a good friend." Motsepe’s public statement on July 22nd emphasized Infantino’s loyalty to Africa, stating, "He is loyal to Africa. When people have been loyal to you, you never stab them in the back."
As of this report, several other nations, including Senegal – whose men’s national team holds the second-highest ranking among African teams, behind Morocco – have yet to issue public statements regarding Infantino’s leadership and future prospects. This complex tapestry of support, reservation, and silence from across the African continent highlights the multifaceted dynamics influencing global football governance and the enduring impact of Infantino’s tenure.
